How cold?
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Elder User
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From: Kansas
How cold?
Being a newbie to driving a diesel this winter for the first time (and from here on out..used to drive a V-10 gasser), I would like to know just how cold would it have to be, given the batteries are good and blended fuel is used and glow plugs are ok before my PSD will not start if not plugged in. Sometimes, the truck will have to sit outside with no place to plug it in for the better part of a day. As of today, I know it will start on it's own at 15 above. You long time diesel users, give me some ideas...0, 10 below or what?
Another question...IF it doesn't start
and you can't plug it in anywhere, then what do you do? 
Don't want to use ether so I would guess that you either call a tow truck or walk away from it...not much else to do, is there? Your input please. Thanks, trakman
Another question...IF it doesn't start
and you can't plug it in anywhere, then what do you do? Don't want to use ether so I would guess that you either call a tow truck or walk away from it...not much else to do, is there? Your input please. Thanks, trakman
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From: Cleveland Area
I have never had my truck not start no matter how cold it is. Just plug it in when you can, and then trust in a good strong set of batteries when you can't. Get some grill plugs to block off the air into the radiator when the temp gets to 40 deg. F or below. It will help to keep the engine warmer as it sits and help it warm up faster on the road. If you can't find grill plugs, a sheet of cardboard and some zip ties will work as well. You can also lay a blanket over the motor to try and keep in some heat if you can't plug it in, but not sure how well that will work and if it is worth the trouble.
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Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Elverson, PA
I've never plugged my truck in - and I've never had it plain not start. I just don't have anywhere to plug it in without using a long cord - which I just don't trust. Last winter - there was one morning that I remember that I didn't think it was gonna start (it was 5-10 below and had been windy all night). I went out in the morning, glowed it 3 times, and it didn't even try to catch - turned over just fine - just wouldn't fire. I ended up giving her the glow 7 times before she finally started. But the next morning - it was almost as cold without the wind and it fired right up - well for a cold morning anyway! 
Basically - if you have a good place to plug it in - it's give 'er the heat if it's below 0. Also - get your rig some 5w-40 oil. I switched to Rotella 5w-40 for this winter - and it fires up and runs WAY better with the lighter oil. No loping at all and not near as much smoking and carrying on 'till it gets running smooth.
Basically - if you have a good place to plug it in - it's give 'er the heat if it's below 0. Also - get your rig some 5w-40 oil. I switched to Rotella 5w-40 for this winter - and it fires up and runs WAY better with the lighter oil. No loping at all and not near as much smoking and carrying on 'till it gets running smooth.
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From: FL
When i bought my truck.... it came with the plugs for the grill (that cover the radiator so it won't get as much cold air) , but i never uesd them..... what would be a good temp to throw them in.... or should i just not use them at all?.... it's going to start getting colder in ma.... maby 32 and bellow.... but not insanely cold... thanks
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From: Kansas
Well I have the cardboard in front of the radiator (about 80% covered) now. If you weren't towing anything, could you go 100%? Also, what are these "plugs" you are talking about? Is it something that you insert between the grill bars? Never heard of them. I've seen the "zippered" blanket in front of the grill but not "plugs".
CAT_Man_963, I'm using Delvac 15-40 oil
CAT_Man_963, I'm using Delvac 15-40 oil
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From: FL
yea i agree with the grinch.... i tink it would block up the intercooler in 99+ trucks.... 97 and older don't have one... as he mentioned they basically snap into the grill and block the grill up, allowing the motor to warm up quicker in chilly weather.... i was wondering how cold is cold enough to throw these in? i haven't used mine so i don't know.
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From: Cleveland Area
I put mine it at about 40 to 50 deg. Have run them in 60 deg temp and still normal temps on the coolant. But running them at that temp empty...
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From: FL
um thats gotta be a kewikkhead question.... i was under the assumption that it was not a great idea to block up the intercooler.... but i guess it would really not really matter.....the air just wouldn't be cooled....guess i didn't really help to answer your question sorry
Last edited by Robbgt; Dec 19, 2004 at 02:32 PM.
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From: Cleveland Area
You will still get air to the radiator blocking the opening just not as much, obviously. As for the intercooler - unless you are running over 5 lbs of boost then the intercooler is not doing much at all because the air out of the turbo is not being heated up under the compression from the turbo, that much. That was one of the reasons the early PSDs did not have an intercooler. Besides fitting them in... Unless you are pulling under heavy boost a lot then they don't make very much of a difference. For me at 70 mph I am running maybe 5 lbs. And I do less driving pulling than empty. I thought of putting in an intercooler but decided it was not worth the cost for me.
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From: Braham MN
Originally Posted by trakman
Robbgt..then if I understand right, it would not be good to use these in an 03, huh? What about the cardboard, is it harmful to my truck then?
. in short. You should be just fine running such cover on an intercooled rig. You just arent goin to set any horsepower records with a "nonfuctional" intercooler so to speak.Diesel Rod
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From: Braham MN
Yes. the glow plugs are basicaly little resistive heaters in the combustion chamber of each cylinder. when you turn the key on and the wait to start light comes on the glow plugs are in operation. heating the combustion chamber for up to 2 miutes. there is no "priming" of the glow plugs they're electrical and turn on instantly.
this heating allows the engine to start easier when its cold. once the engine is warm there realy is no need for glow plugs since the engine will retain most of its heat and start easily.
Diesel Rod
this heating allows the engine to start easier when its cold. once the engine is warm there realy is no need for glow plugs since the engine will retain most of its heat and start easily.
Diesel Rod
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From: EAST STROUDSBURG,PA
it was 1 degree the other night and morning at my house.. let the glow plugs on for about a minute.. engine fired on fourth crank.. i dont plug it in either...
-- i am just to lazy to play with a dang cord..
--- if u have the patience i would suggest plugging it in when it gets closer to zero..
that will help your starter last longer...
-- i am just to lazy to play with a dang cord..
--- if u have the patience i would suggest plugging it in when it gets closer to zero..
that will help your starter last longer...